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Durlston is a fabulous 113 hectare (280 acre) countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland. This short walk starts at the visitor centre and runs through the woodlands overlooking Durlston Bay.

This walk starts at the Durlston Country Park Visitor Centre (free entry), and from here it is signed along the whole route using waymarks with a picture of a tree.

From the car park, cross the road and follow the path leading back towards Swanage. From here you have a great view along the coast and across Durlston Bay to the Isle of Wight.

Beside you is a mature hedgerow which provided the ideal environment for certain wildflowers such as the Hedge Woundwort which has striking beetroot red flowers and oval shaped, hairy leaves. It gets its name from the old use of the plant in staunching bleeding and it is said to have antiseptic properties. Insects also thrive in the warmth and shelter provided by the hedge, and in summer you may see (amongst others) bush-crickets, bumble bees and the Gatekeeper butterfly.

As you enter the woods take a look at the shrubs growing beneath the trees. You can spot species such as Snowberry from America, Bamboo from China and Japanese Spindle, which were planted here over a century ago by George Burt who owned the estate. This followed the Victorian vogue for collecting plants from around the world.

Although the woodland was neglected for much of the 20th century, it is now being actively managed to enhance the area for visitors and wildlife. As you approach the glade, you can see a small Ash plantation. Some of these trees will be periodically cut back to promote growth from the base. This technique, known as coppicing, provides a long-term cycle of light and shade which encourages a wide variety of wildlife.

When you reach a fork in the path, you can either continue on the path to the left, or follow the more level shortcut path on your right. In front of you is a large glade, which is the site of a Victorian aviary and has been a favourite sitting area for generations of visitors. The ‘literary’ seats in the smaller glades also date back to the days of George Burt’s ownership reflecting his great interest in the Arts.

Glades within woodland have a special value for wildlife. Plants and insects can benefit from the extra sunlight while still enjoying the shelter of tall trees. Hoverflies and butterflies such as the Speckled Wood abound, often attracting flycatchers, warblers and other migrant birds in the Spring and Autumn.

On the seaward side of the glade is a viewpoint looking out to Peveril Point and over the site of a major landslip which occurred some 70 years ago. The established semi-mature woodland was completely destroyed and has since been replaced by species like Willow which are more suited to the wet, unstable conditions. This is an area favoured by Chiffchaffs – their monotonous song filling the spring air. Hunting Sparrowhawks are regularly seen from here as are Sandwich Terns fishing in Durlston Bay.

After circumnavigating the glade, follow the Coast Path back towards the Castle and car park. This wide path, known as ‘Pinecliffe Walk’, prior to its partial destruction by the landslip was used by horse drawn carriages taking visitors from Peveril Down to Durlston Castle. The name comes from the stand of old Pine trees, many of which have been felled due to old age. Now their rotting stumps are being colonised by various woodlice, beetles and fungi. Grey squirrels, immigrants from America, are often seen nearby but the prescence of the shy Roe Deer is usually evident only from hoof-marks in the mud.

The evergreen Holm Oak trees alongside much of the track, are natives of the warm Mediterranean region but flourish in the mild, maritime Durlston climate. Their thick waxy leaves are well adapted to withstand salt-laden winds, but the dense shade cast by these leaves through the year means few plants can survive on the woodland floor. The path however acts as a long narrow glade, enabling sun-seeking climbers to grow along the edge. Madder, Old-mans Beard, Bryony and Ivy use trees and the old fence for support. Each species uses its own climbing technique, clinging, twisting, entwining or simply sprawling over the supporting structure.

You are now almost back at the car park, but if you want to extend your walk, continue along the Coast Path – see the Clifftop walk description for details of what you will see.